I bumped my head while lowering my gaze

[AbuMubarak]

Watch out for the Arrow!

Oh, what a beautiful day: Twenty-two degrees Celsius; a clear sky; the sun passionately declaring its warmth to the land below. I put on my cap and decide to go out for a walk. Moments later, I come across two scantily dressed girls, ³enjoying² the wonderful weather. Nervously, I look down towards the cement sidewalk and walk past them. I look up, only to encounter a couple, roller blading towards me in the most fashionable, spandex exercise gear.

I fidget with my cap using it to shield myself from obscenity and continue walking. With my head down and cap covering my view, it was bound to happen some time: I walk into a lamppost and hit my head! As I lay on the sidewalk recovering from the accident, I hear a male voice asking me, ³Are you alright?² As I open my eyes to figure out what is going on, I see a bare-chested man, jogging in position, offering his hand to help me get up. Subhan-Allah, what a day! I get up, run home, go to my room, and close my door. How am I expected to survive in such a filthy environment? Am I supposed to isolate myself from the society to escape such temptations?

No. Obviously, with every trial and difficulty Allah always provides us practical defensive tools. Keep in mind, though, that the command to control our eyes is not just a Œfatwa¹ of some Œconservative¹ scholar Œfrom the East¹. It is explicitly expressed in the words of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What¹s Wrong With A Lustful Gaze?

Many of us who are used to watching Sinbad or Temptation Island, or are addicted to Bollywood movies, or enjoy the company of people of opposite gender, may wonder what¹s wrong with lustfully staring at the attractive features of the opposite gender? Perhaps one saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sums it all:

³The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Shaytan, on him be God's curse. Whoever forsakes it for the fear of Allah, will receive from Him (Great and Gracious is He) a faith, the sweetness of which he will find within his heart.² (al-Haakim.)

Therefore, a secret lustful look at a person of opposite gender has been compared by the Prophet (pbuh) to an arrow from Shaytan that:

1. poisons our hearts
2. ruins our intentions
3. gives rise to false hopes and desires
4. distorts our perception of 'reality'
5. deprives us from enjoying and concentrating in Prayers
6. gives rise to constant feeling of guilt and depression
7. sometimes leads to sleepless nights
8. renders our heart weak for continuous Shaytanic attacks
9. promotes hypocrisy
10. weakens our memory
11. eventually leads to Zina (adultery)
12. above all, diminishes our love for and fear of Allah

Allah commands us: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them..." [24:30.] In the verse following this one, Allah commands ³the believing women² in the similar manner.

5 Secret Benefits Of Jihad Against Temptation

1. Perhaps the greatest secret reward of resisting the temptation is the increase in your Faith (Iman), the sweetness of which could only be sensed by you! This empowering force of renewed Iman will help you suppress the desires in unimaginable ways.

2. Right when you are urged, if you remember Allah¹s mercy, commandments, and displeasure, He will make it easy for you to get out of the situation without regrets, stress, or pain. Allah reassures us: ³And the one who fears Allah (has Taqwa), He will make a way out.² [65: 2.]

3. It will also have a remarkable impact on your character, since the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleansed of the rust, it reflects the realities as they actually are. Your family and friends will see the difference!

4. Frequent gazing at unlawful scenes of sexuality tire and wear down both the heart and the eyes. The heart becomes Œbored¹ and depressed after a while. However, when your eyes are prevented from looking around, the heart finds relief from the arduous task of vainly desiring something it does not possess.

5. As the Prophet (pbuh) once said to his Companion:
³By Allah! Whosoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better than it!" If you remain patient in this world, Allah will bless you with joys in ways you could never imagine!

18 Ways To Survive In Temptation Island!

Yes, it¹s hard, especially when you¹re constantly bombarded with obscene images: that hot, scantily clad guy or gal in the magazine luring you; or the persistent emphasis on sex in the movies (even Toy Story or Spider Man!); or the pervasive links to ****ography while you may simply be checking your e-mail. How can you protect yourself from all of this?

1. Don't forget the power of Allah¹s Remembrance (Dhikr)! It is the most powerful of all the defenses. Regular reading of prescribed Du'as will develop your Taqwa (consciousness) and keep you mindful of what thoughts you entertain.

2. Remember your Accountability to Allah. In Islam, you're fully accountable as soon as you understand and feel such temptations. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment.

3. Always walk with your gaze lowered. But make sure not to bump into a hydro post! Lowering the gaze does not mean that you cannot have any Œeye contact¹ as you walk or during a conversation. It means that you keep your eyes under control.

4. Take the Right Seat! In a public place (e.g. café), choose a seat that minimizes your view-frame and avoid mixed-crowds. It is precisely about such comfortable gazing at the attractive features of the passers-by that the Prophet (pbuh) advised 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: "Ali, do not let a second look follow the first. The first look is allowed to you but not the second.''(Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi.)

5. Hangout with those known for noble character and modesty. When you are around good people, they can remind you to abstain from that which Allah dislikes. As the Prophet (pbuh) said, ³A person is likely to follow the faith of his friends, so be careful about who you make your friend.² (Ahmad.)

6. Avoid friends that are into immoral movies, music, dirty jokes etc. Such activities are the tools of Shaytan that promote the idea of Œlove based on looks¹ or Œlove at first sight¹. Such friends would take you into an artificial world of fantasies and false hopes, away from reality, before it¹s too late! Therefore, either you help your friends change through gentle advice, or abandon frequent contact with them. As Allah warns us: "If anyone withdraws himself from Allah's remembrance, Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one to be his intimate companion." [43: 36.]

7. Avoid visiting malls and parks alone. Always try to go out with a family member or a good friend, whose company may help you avert your eyes from the objectionable billboards and inappropriately clothed people. In summer, step out only when you have to.

8. Surf or Watch TV when others are around. The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures is heightened when you're alone in your room watching TV or surfing the internet. Shaytan's primary target is always a lonely person! Try to avoid late night TV and internet surfing.

9. Never have 'nothing to do'! Shaytan loves 'bored and idle' people. If you are feeling bored, do the dishes, or take out the garbage, or read some book. Allah says, "Do not throw yourself into destruction with your own hands." [2: 195.]

10. Volunteer for Islamic Organizations. Your Jihad against immorality in the society is one reason for you to join Muslim youth groups in your community. Your involvement with such activities, along with the love of helpful brothers or sisters struggling for a good cause, will keep your mind, energies, and thoughts focused away from the Haram.

11. Read, Read, and Read! Yes, read as many Islamic books and articles as possible. Reading keeps your mind and eyes busy! It keeps you motivated to live your Islam and strengthens your relationship with Allah.

12. Always remember that the beauty of this world is temporary and the life hereafter is everlasting.

13. Observe voluntary fast to strengthen your willpower and to cool your passions. The Prophet (pbuh) strongly recommended the youth to make it a habit.

14. If you are able and responsible then get married for the sake of Allah. It may be one of the most effective, yet challenging, defense mechanisms against such temptations.

15. For Brothers, remember your Mom and Sister. Disgusting right? Exactly! No sane person would look at his mom or sister the way many of us examine the girls on TV shows or stare at our Muslim sisters in social gatherings. This thought should sicken you enough to stop, Insha-Allah.

16. Remind yourself of the Death and Hereafter often. "Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures [i.e. death]," the Prophet (pbuh) once reminded us. (at-Tirmidhi.)

17. Increase your Good Actions. Try following the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): ³Remain conscious of Allah and fear Him wherever you are. And follow a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards people.² (at-Tirmidhi.)

18. Repent and Return to Allah. Allah is All-forgiving and loves those who return to Him, promising not to repeat their sins. ³Ask forgiveness from your Lord, then turn towards Him in repentance; He will loosen the sky over you in abundance, and He will add strength unto your strength.² [11: 52].

[Bilquis]

AoA brother,

Excellent post (though forgive me for breaking into a fit of giggles when I heard the description of the lamp-post encounter). :)

It serves as a reminder of the fitna we need to avoid and the rationale for it.

Jazakallahu khair.

Ws

[angelgirl101]

Originally posted by AbuMubarak
Watch out for the Arrow!

Oh, what a beautiful day: Twenty-two degrees Celsius; a clear sky; the sun passionately declaring its warmth to the land below. I put on my cap and decide to go out for a walk. Moments later, I come across two scantily dressed girls, ³enjoying² the wonderful weather. Nervously, I look down towards the cement sidewalk and walk past them. I look up, only to encounter a couple, roller blading towards me in the most fashionable, spandex exercise gear.

I fidget with my cap using it to shield myself from obscenity and continue walking. With my head down and cap covering my view, it was bound to happen some time: I walk into a lamppost and hit my head! As I lay on the sidewalk recovering from the accident, I hear a male voice asking me, ³Are you alright?² As I open my eyes to figure out what is going on, I see a bare-chested man, jogging in position, offering his hand to help me get up. Subhan-Allah, what a day! I get up, run home, go to my room, and close my door. How am I expected to survive in such a filthy environment? Am I supposed to isolate myself from the society to escape such temptations?

No. Obviously, with every trial and difficulty Allah always provides us practical defensive tools. Keep in mind, though, that the command to control our eyes is not just a Œfatwa¹ of some Œconservative¹ scholar Œfrom the East¹. It is explicitly expressed in the words of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What¹s Wrong With A Lustful Gaze?

Many of us who are used to watching Sinbad or Temptation Island, or are addicted to Bollywood movies, or enjoy the company of people of opposite gender, may wonder what¹s wrong with lustfully staring at the attractive features of the opposite gender? Perhaps one saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sums it all:

³The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Shaytan, on him be God's curse. Whoever forsakes it for the fear of Allah, will receive from Him (Great and Gracious is He) a faith, the sweetness of which he will find within his heart.² (al-Haakim.)

Therefore, a secret lustful look at a person of opposite gender has been compared by the Prophet (pbuh) to an arrow from Shaytan that:

1. poisons our hearts
2. ruins our intentions
3. gives rise to false hopes and desires
4. distorts our perception of 'reality'
5. deprives us from enjoying and concentrating in Prayers
6. gives rise to constant feeling of guilt and depression
7. sometimes leads to sleepless nights
8. renders our heart weak for continuous Shaytanic attacks
9. promotes hypocrisy
10. weakens our memory
11. eventually leads to Zina (adultery)
12. above all, diminishes our love for and fear of Allah

Allah commands us: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them..." [24:30.] In the verse following this one, Allah commands ³the believing women² in the similar manner.

5 Secret Benefits Of Jihad Against Temptation

1. Perhaps the greatest secret reward of resisting the temptation is the increase in your Faith (Iman), the sweetness of which could only be sensed by you! This empowering force of renewed Iman will help you suppress the desires in unimaginable ways.

2. Right when you are urged, if you remember Allah¹s mercy, commandments, and displeasure, He will make it easy for you to get out of the situation without regrets, stress, or pain. Allah reassures us: ³And the one who fears Allah (has Taqwa), He will make a way out.² [65: 2.]

3. It will also have a remarkable impact on your character, since the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleansed of the rust, it reflects the realities as they actually are. Your family and friends will see the difference!

4. Frequent gazing at unlawful scenes of sexuality tire and wear down both the heart and the eyes. The heart becomes Œbored¹ and depressed after a while. However, when your eyes are prevented from looking around, the heart finds relief from the arduous task of vainly desiring something it does not possess.

5. As the Prophet (pbuh) once said to his Companion:
³By Allah! Whosoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better than it!" If you remain patient in this world, Allah will bless you with joys in ways you could never imagine!

18 Ways To Survive In Temptation Island!

Yes, it¹s hard, especially when you¹re constantly bombarded with obscene images: that hot, scantily clad guy or gal in the magazine luring you; or the persistent emphasis on sex in the movies (even Toy Story or Spider Man!); or the pervasive links to ****ography while you may simply be checking your e-mail. How can you protect yourself from all of this?

1. Don't forget the power of Allah¹s Remembrance (Dhikr)! It is the most powerful of all the defenses. Regular reading of prescribed Du'as will develop your Taqwa (consciousness) and keep you mindful of what thoughts you entertain.

2. Remember your Accountability to Allah. In Islam, you're fully accountable as soon as you understand and feel such temptations. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment.

3. Always walk with your gaze lowered. But make sure not to bump into a hydro post! Lowering the gaze does not mean that you cannot have any Œeye contact¹ as you walk or during a conversation. It means that you keep your eyes under control.

4. Take the Right Seat! In a public place (e.g. café), choose a seat that minimizes your view-frame and avoid mixed-crowds. It is precisely about such comfortable gazing at the attractive features of the passers-by that the Prophet (pbuh) advised 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: "Ali, do not let a second look follow the first. The first look is allowed to you but not the second.''(Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi.)

5. Hangout with those known for noble character and modesty. When you are around good people, they can remind you to abstain from that which Allah dislikes. As the Prophet (pbuh) said, ³A person is likely to follow the faith of his friends, so be careful about who you make your friend.² (Ahmad.)

6. Avoid friends that are into immoral movies, music, dirty jokes etc. Such activities are the tools of Shaytan that promote the idea of Œlove based on looks¹ or Œlove at first sight¹. Such friends would take you into an artificial world of fantasies and false hopes, away from reality, before it¹s too late! Therefore, either you help your friends change through gentle advice, or abandon frequent contact with them. As Allah warns us: "If anyone withdraws himself from Allah's remembrance, Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one to be his intimate companion." [43: 36.]

7. Avoid visiting malls and parks alone. Always try to go out with a family member or a good friend, whose company may help you avert your eyes from the objectionable billboards and inappropriately clothed people. In summer, step out only when you have to.

8. Surf or Watch TV when others are around. The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures is heightened when you're alone in your room watching TV or surfing the internet. Shaytan's primary target is always a lonely person! Try to avoid late night TV and internet surfing.

9. Never have 'nothing to do'! Shaytan loves 'bored and idle' people. If you are feeling bored, do the dishes, or take out the garbage, or read some book. Allah says, "Do not throw yourself into destruction with your own hands." [2: 195.]

10. Volunteer for Islamic Organizations. Your Jihad against immorality in the society is one reason for you to join Muslim youth groups in your community. Your involvement with such activities, along with the love of helpful brothers or sisters struggling for a good cause, will keep your mind, energies, and thoughts focused away from the Haram.

11. Read, Read, and Read! Yes, read as many Islamic books and articles as possible. Reading keeps your mind and eyes busy! It keeps you motivated to live your Islam and strengthens your relationship with Allah.

12. Always remember that the beauty of this world is temporary and the life hereafter is everlasting.

13. Observe voluntary fast to strengthen your willpower and to cool your passions. The Prophet (pbuh) strongly recommended the youth to make it a habit.

14. If you are able and responsible then get married for the sake of Allah. It may be one of the most effective, yet challenging, defense mechanisms against such temptations.

15. For Brothers, remember your Mom and Sister. Disgusting right? Exactly! No sane person would look at his mom or sister the way many of us examine the girls on TV shows or stare at our Muslim sisters in social gatherings. This thought should sicken you enough to stop, Insha-Allah.

16. Remind yourself of the Death and Hereafter often. "Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures [i.e. death]," the Prophet (pbuh) once reminded us. (at-Tirmidhi.)

17. Increase your Good Actions. Try following the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): ³Remain conscious of Allah and fear Him wherever you are. And follow a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards people.² (at-Tirmidhi.)

18. Repent and Return to Allah. Allah is All-forgiving and loves those who return to Him, promising not to repeat their sins. ³Ask forgiveness from your Lord, then turn towards Him in repentance; He will loosen the sky over you in abundance, and He will add strength unto your strength.² [11: 52].

Masha Allah, you are obviously making a huge effort not to be poisoned by Western immorality!! Well done!!!:)

[mrwelby]

Do you think it's possible to view what you refer to as inappropriately clothed people without a lustful look?

If you shield yourself from what you call obscenity, are you not reinforcing the idea you have a lustful heart?

How can we evolve morally if we let fear guide us?

[AbuMubarak]

mr welby

society has a right over the individual and the individual has a right over society

you (society) have a right not to see me walking naked in the street

i have a right that if someone walks nude down the street that society (govt or police) will stop them

Allah has a right over us that we will not act lewd

[Ruqayyah]

Brilliant post Abu. Subhanullah.
I hope your head is feeling better and that Allah grants you Jannat. Ameen.

Your sister in Islam.

[Kaiser]

Great post, liked it very much.

Although I dont have much of that problem, since if the sun is shining then ill be in the darkest hole there is, since I cant go to sunlite, or not for long atleast, a minute or two there and I feel that im burning, even if im covered completly, still the sunlite burns me, if I would go into the sunlite without being covered I couldnt stay there for a minute, for the sunlight would be so painful.

[mrwelby]

since I cant go to sunlite, or not for long atleast, a minute or two there and I feel that im burning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bummer :(

[AbuMubarak]

mabrook, kohr

Allah has given you reason to study, and study, and study, without the wordly distractions that affect other folk

make good use of your time,

reminds me of a story of when the arabs discovered coffee, the sheikhs considered it a blessing from Allah that they would be able to stay up later and make more night salat

when given lemons, make lemonade

[craigwhales]

abu,

when the mind is occupied with lustful thoughts, the gaze of the eye is hence lustful. keep a clean and clear mind and believe you me, a single gaze will never lead you astray.

why do muslims always try to create a mountain out of mole hill?

yours truly

craig

[Just1man]

I thought the story wonderful with lessons for everyone. Be it lust or any other sin, one has to keep his or her guard up lest we be tempted.

[Atiyah]

it was a good story for everyone, especially muslims who fear their Rabb,

Remind, because reminding benefits the believers

['Inayah']

Originally posted by craigwhales
a single gaze will never lead you astray.

why do muslims always try to create a mountain out of mole hill?

yours truly

craig

A first gaze is allowed as it can be accidental but if followed by a second gaze ... well then it's a 'problem'! Keeping your eyes lowered will inshaa'Allah prevent this.

Now how is that creating a mountain out of a molehill?

Btw bro ... good story ... hope your head is better!:)

[TalkAboutIslam]

may Allah help us control ourselves and get more disciplined.

[AbuMubarak]

Temptations Towards the Opposite Sex and Solutions


Dear Concerned,

Due to dire necessity and over-emphasized importance of the following topic,
we've dedicated a special program for our fellows examining this matter. We
share the gist of our findings for everyone's benefit.

[With respect to political correctness in gender, "girls" were mentioned due to
the perspective of "boys," who participated in the program. It's understood
that the reverse is true for girls also.]


TITLE: "Analysis of Our Temptations Toward Girls and Its Solution"


1. PROBLEM/REALITY:

- It's a natural tendency to be attracted; it's an undeniable fact
- it's always bad, but specially in summer, it's worse
- going back to homeland won't help because the same problem exists there too
- the most difficult thing to control is "imagination"
- exposing dress is a problem everywhere: billboards, ads etc.
- peer pressure is tough to resist
- married ones are also susceptible to fall short


2. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

2.1 GENERAL

- lower your gaze (everytime, everywhere)
- always remember Allaah--consciously; remember death and the life after it
- busy yourself with good activities/learning
- increase Islamic knowledge, thereby have stronger conviction
- know the proper etiquettes and limits of communication with opposite gender
- know about this friend-like enemy of yours: shaytaan
you've gotta fight him till the last breath
- keep in mind that in order to find someone with piety/good character,
you must be the same
- openly discuss with parents/trusted elders regarding these issues
- watch out for friends who are crossing the line (be bold and firm)
- avoid all songs/dramas/movies/novels that MAY provoke such feelings
- avoid TV totally if possible, otherwise watch together with good folks
- use the internet cautiously: block pop-ups, stay focused,
place the computer where others can see
- perform the 5 daily prayers: on time, with full concentration
- perform extra fasting if needed
- don't put yourself in a test: simply avoid any testing of your character


2.2 IN SCHOOLS/COLLEGES

- from the very first day, present yourself as a good Muslim
- sit in the first row; sit besides boys
- try hard to have a lab/study partner of the same gender
- have the contact info. of a boy in case you miss a class
- if missing notes, ask from boys; if not, ask directly from the instructor
- with educational interest, you may look at your teacher of opposite gender,
but in case any other feelings arise, you must lower your gaze
- don't make a negative impression of Islam
if you wear a cap, for God's sake, don't hang around with girls


2.3 MARRIAGE

- plan what kind of girl to marry (to have a fixed vision/concentration)
- engagement is NOT marriage, both parties are still strangers until
actual marriage
- getting engaged earlier may help, but it may create even more problems,
making it difficult for both parties to stay within the limit
- marry at the earliest possible age--whenever one is ready in all aspects
- physical + mental + financial abilities are necessary in order to marry
- don't fantasize about love, think about RESPONSIBILITY as well
- if two spouses are in two different places, unite as soon as possible
- don't let often-seen dramatic movies/stories blind you, life is real,
so face it with courage, wisdom and conviction

- Last but not least, always ask Allaah to guide you to the right path!

[jabaraltariq]

Mashallah akhi!

Jazakallah Khair!

:-)

[ZawjatuRaafi]

:)

[AbuMubarak]

As'salam u Alaikum(rwb)

HADITH

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet said, "For every prophet there is an invocation that surely will be responded to by Allah, but I kept my invocation to intercede for my followers on the Day of Resurrection."



ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGY

THE GREAT VIRTUE OF LOWERING THE GAZE

By Imaam ibn al-Qayyim

Taken from ‘al-Muntaqaa min Ighaathatul Lufhaan fee Masaayid ash-Shaytaan’ [pp.’s 102-105] of ibn al-Qayyim, summarised by Alee Hasan



This is a very interesting article which I would classify in the category of "islamic psychology of the heart". May Allah benefit us all from it.



Allaah, the Exalted said,



“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allaah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [an-Nur (24):30]



So Allaah made purification and spiritual growth to be the outcome of lowering the gaze and guarding the private parts. It is for this reason that lowrering ones gaze from (seeing) the prohibited things necessarily leads to three benefits that carry tremendous value and are of great significance.



The First: experiencing the delight and sweetness of faith.



This delight and sweetness is far greater and more desirable that which might have been attained from the object that one lowered his gaze from for the sake of Allaah. Indeed, “whosoever leaves something for the sake of Allaah then Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, will replace it with something better than it.” {1}



The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye as is said:



When you sent your eye as a guide

For your heart one day, the object of sight fatigued you

For you saw one over whom you had no power

Neither a portion or in totality, instead you had to be patient.



Therefore when the sight is prevented from looking and investigating the heart finds relief from having to go through the arduous task of (vainly) seeking and desiring.



Whosoever lets his sight roam free will find that he is in a perpetual state of loss and anguish for sight gives birth to love (mahabbah) the starting point of which is the heart being devoted and dependant upon that which it beholds. This then intensifies to become fervent longing (sabaabah) whereby the heart becomes totally dependant and devoted to the (object of its desire). Then this further intensifies and becomes infatuation (gharaamah) which clings to the heart like the one seeking repayment of a debt clings firmly to the one who has to pay the debt. Then this intensifies and becomes passion ate love (ishk) and this is a love that transgresses all bounds. Then this further intensifies and becomes crazed passion (shaghafa) and this a love that encompasses every tiny part of the heart. Then this intensifies and becomes worshipful love (tatayyuma). Tatayyum means worship and it is said: tayyama Allaah i.e. he worshipped Allaah.



Hence the heart begins to worship that which is not correct for it to worship and the reason behind all of this was an illegal glance. The heart is now bound in chains whereas before it used to be the master, it is now imprisoned whereas before it was free. It has been oppressed by the eye and it complains to it upon which the eye replies: I am your guide and messenger and it was you who sent me in the first place!



All that has been mentioned applies to the heart that has relinquished the love of Allaah and being sincere to Him for indeed the heart must have an object of love that it devotes itself to. Therefore when the heart does not love Allaah Alone and does not take Him as its God then it must worship something else.



Allaah said concerning Yusuf as-Siddeeq (AS),



“Thus (did We order) so that We might turn away from him all evil and indecent actions for he was one of Our sincere servants.” [Yusuf (12): 24]



It was because the wife of al-Azeez was a polytheist that (the passionate love) entered her heart despite her being married. It was because Yusuf (AS) was sincere to Allaah that he was saved from it despite his being a young man, unamarried and a servant.



The Second: the illumination of the heart, clear perception and penetrating insight.



Ibn Shujaa` al-Kirmaanee said, “whosoever builds his outward form upon following the Sunnah, his internal form upon perpetual contemplation and awareness of Allaah, he restrains his soul from following desires, he lowers his gaze from the forbidden things and he always eats the lawful things then his perception and insight shall never be wrong.”



Allaah mentioned the people of Lut and what they were afflicted with and then He went on to say,



“Indeed in this are signs for the Mutawassimeen.” [al-Hijr (15): 75]



The Mutwassimeen are those who have clear perception and penetrating insight, those who are secure from looking at the unlawful and performing indecent acts.



Allaah said after mentioning the verse concerning lowering the gaze,



“Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” [an-Nur (24): 35]



The reason behind this is that the reward is of the same type as the action. So whosoever lowers his gaze from the unlawful for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, He will replace it with something better than it of the same type. So just as the servant restrained the light of his eye from falling upon the unlawful, Allaah blesses the light of his sight and heart thereby making him perceive what he would not have seen and understood had he not lowered his gaze.



This is a matter that the person can physically sense in himself for the heart is like a mirror and the base desires are like rust upon it. When the mirror is polished and cleaned of the rust then it will reflect the realities (haqaa`iq) as they actually are. However if it remains rusty then it will not reflect properly and therefore its knowledge and speech will arise from conjecture and doubt.



The Third: the heart becoming strong, firm and courageous.



Allaah will give it the might of aid for its strength just as He gave it the might of clear proofs for its light. Hence the heart shall combine both of these factors and as a result, Shaytaan shall flee from it. It is mentioned in the narration, “whosoever opposes his base desires, the Shaytaan shall flee in terror from his shade.” {2}



This is why the one who follows his base desires shall find in himself the ignominy of the soul, its being weak, feeble and contemptible. Indeed Allaah places nobilty for the one who obeys Him and disgrace for the one who disobeys Him,


“So do not lose heart nor fall into despair; for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.” [Aali Imraan(3): 139]



“If any do seek for nobilty and power then to Allaah belongs all nobility and power.” [Faatir(35): 10]



Meaning that whosoever seeks after disobedience and sin then Allaah, the Might and Magnificent, will humiliate the one who disobeys Him.



Some of the salaf said, “the people seek nobilty and power at the door of the Kings and they will not find it except through the obedience of Allaah.”



This is because the one who who obeys Allaah has taken Allaah as his friend and protector and Allaah will never humiliate the one who takes his Lord as friend and patron. In the Du`aa Qunut their occurs, “the one who You take as a friend is not humiliated and the one who You take as an enemy is not ennobled.” {3}



FOOTNOTES

{1} Reported by Ahmad [5/363], al-Marwazee in ‘Zawaa`id az-Zuhd’ [no. 412], an-Nasaa`ee in ‘al-Kubraa’ as mentioned in ‘Tuhfah al-Ashraaf’ [11/199] from one of the Companions that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, “indeed you will not leave anything for the sake of Allaah except that Allaah will replace it with something better than it.” The isnaad is saheeh.



{2} This is not established as a hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW)



{3} Reported by Abu Daawood [Eng. Trans. 1/374 no. 1420], an-Nasaa`ee [3/248], at-Tirmidhee [no. 464], ibn Maajah [no. 1178], ad-Daarimee [1/311], Ahmad [1/199], ibn Khuzaymah [2/151] from al-Hasan from Alee (RA).

The hadeeth is saheeh.

The isnaad has been critcised by many, however none of the critcisms hold. Refer to: ‘Nasb ar-Raayah’ [2/125] and ‘Talkhees al-Habeer’ [1/247]

Fi Amman ALLAH




Muhammad Faisal
Master Student, Winter semester 2003
Electromagnetics, Optics & Microwave Engg.
Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg
Germany

[ZawjatuRaafi]

Mashaa allah ta'ala that was truly beautiful and something for us all to reflect on. To me the lowering of the gaze goes beyond looking at a woman or a man but goes much deeper in the sense of taking care in not falling into the temptations of whatever weakness you may have. For some it may be music for others women/men and so on.

If we as muslims could learn to lower our gaze from those temptations I think that as an ummah we would go so much further. Our dawah would be seen so much clearer to those who view us. I believe that there are sooo many of us that due to our own weakness take away from the onspread of Islam. I have witnessed it first hand and it is such a very dangerous thing. I have in my past struggled (many years ago) in covering amongst family. I felt that if I covered they would think I was crazy and not understand me bringing us further apart, when in reality a family member stepped up and said to me that if I would stand strong in this manner they would see so much better from me because they would see my devotion and be more apt to want to understand me and what I was trying to live. This is just an example of how one can lose the grasp of dawah one can give to another. Mashaa allah no one in my family has converted as of yet but they definitely have a much better understanding and respect for Islam now then they would have had I continued on in this direction. We must release ourselves from our lowly desires, be it physical, fear of what others think, things that we cannot maintain whatever they may be.

We as an ummah must unite in these things, be of help to those we see struggling in whatever ways we are able so as to help to keep that brother or sister from falling into the temptations that shaytaan whispers to them. In this we will be helping to create unity amongst ourselves in so many ways inshaa Allah.

We as muslims MUST practice self restraint in fighting off our nafs. We can not say I did this because of your actions because on the day of judgement when we are called to answer for our deeds that excuse will not be good enough for Allah. We must be willing to see our problems for what they are, accept that this is a problem and seek much repentance, understand that repentance is not granted if we turn and go right back to it. We have to strive to look to what we have no matter how good or how much of a hardship it is and become content with it. Have faith in Allah that He will control our situations and there is nothing we can do to control it and trust that Allah will give us what is truly best for us even if we dont feel like it is best for us.

We have to become content with all that we are blessed with, follow the hadiths that are prescribed for us to get through our hardships and seek much aide from Allah. If you are married for example and your spouse has ways that are really hard to swallow do as RasulAllah saw prescribed for us and find the good qualities in our spouse and focus on them. Dont turn your back altogether to that person because in doing so you may miss out on so so many of the favors Allah has granted you. Which of the favors of your lord do you deny... Your spouse is one of the favors you have been granted. If you find yourself in a position you know you should not have allowed yourself to get to, get yourself out of it and learn from that situation and keep yourself from falling back into it again.

There are sooo many ways we can grow in this deen and I think for each of us it can all fall into place if we can fix just one thing, because once you fix that one Major stuggle you can fix all the rest with Allahs guidance of course.

We are told to lower our gazes so lets all work to do just that in whatever way we must and mashaa Allah Allah says for those who are obedient to Him swt we will be granted Jennatul Firdaws so lets all truly work to lower our gazes to prevent ourselves from that second glance at whatever vices Shaytaan may know how to use to lure us in... Seek refuge in Allah from the accursed shaytaan

May Allah strengthen our hearts, remove from us our nafs, and protect us from the evils we allow shaytaan to lead us to, and those we choose to lead ourselves into Ameen

[AbuMubarak]

:masha:

A STORY ABOUT SINCERITY

Ibrahim Ibn Adham,who was a famous Muslim scholar long ago,was once asked an interesting question. A group of people came to him and one of them quoted an ayah from the Qur'an that say's "and you Lord declares,"call on Me and I will answer your prayer."(40:60)

Then the person asked the Muslim scholar, "we pray to Allah but why are we
not answered?"

The scholar said to them, "You know about Allah,yet you don't obey Him.

You read the Qur'an, yet don't act according to it.

You know how bad the shaytan is, yet you have joined him.

You say that you love the Messenger of Allah[SS], yet you abandon his Sunnah.

You declare that you love paradise, yet you don't do anything to obtain it.

You declare you're afraid of the fire, yet you don't keep yourselves from commiting sins.

You agree that we will die, yet you are not prepared for it.

You're busy finding faults with others, yet you don't look at your own faults.

You eat the food Allah provided for you, yet you don't thank Him.

and You bury your dead, yet you don't take a lesson from it."

[Nikah042702]

Masha Allah, Great post.

[umm.jihad]

lol am sorry i didnt read anything the title of this thread alone made me laugh


ta ta!

[umm.jihad]

lol am sorry i didnt read anything the title of this thread alone made me laugh


ta ta!

[ibn suleman]

bup

quite appropriate me thinks, now that the sun is out out, and people seem to have lost the keys to their wardrobes!

[Mujaheedah]

Good reminder :up:. lol @ the lamp post thing. It's horrible though in this country there are billboards that are getting more obscene by the week.

[AbuMubarak]

remember that Allah enjoins the establishment of islam upon all of us, firstly within ourselves, then those around us

Let the SUNNAH go forth and do not try to stop it

[Te'oma]

remember that Allah enjoins the establishment of islam upon all of us, firstly within ourselves, then those around us

Let the SUNNAH go forth and do not try to stop it

Glad to see that you are still around akhi :up: